[Boromir88]

GROUP E
Rivendell vs Utumno
Utumno won the friendly 1-0, and I think we're going to see the same result. Rivendell was a bit lucky to get the draw against Numenor, but there is nothing lucky about Elrond's GK ability. Still, offensively they won't be able to score on Ungoliant or the Balrog-loaded defense.

Utumno wins 1-0.

Misty Mts vs Numenor
The Misty Mountains has lots of problems scoring and defensively aren't good enough. This is exactly what Numenor needs to get back on track after a disappointing draw against Rivendell. Misty Mountains will not be able to wear down Numenor with hard tackles. However, Numenor better win convincingly because they will end group play against Utumno where Rivendell will be facing the whipping boys of the group.

Numenor wins 2-0.

GROUP F
Lorien vs Thangorodrim
Lorien will likely be able to muster 1 goal against Thangorodrim, but it's not going to be enough to best Thangorodrim. Especially since Thangorodrim is going to be angry coming off their draw against Bywater. It was once stated that Lorien would not fall unless Sauron himself came...well this is football and I think a host of dragons, balrogs, wolves, and evil men will do the trick.

Thangorodrim wins 3-1.

Bywater vs Valimar
This is going to be a hard one to predict, because Valimar could slack off, adoring the hobbit team, led by the beloved Gandalf too much. Although Valimar seems motivated in a way they've never been before. Bywater will be confident, won't be enough against Valimar who will beat the hobbits politely and turn their attention to their final match against the hated Thangorodrim.

Valimar wins 2-1.

GROUP G
Gondor vs Wold
Gondor didn't look that great against Doriath. However, the win against Doriath might be enough to advance Gondor. They will have to draw against Wold to all but stamp their way into the playoffs. A loss would make things interesting as Wold ends against Doriath and Gondor will be against the killers of the group, Gondolin. Wold's defense will have to step up in this match, because if Gondor scores 2, they won't win, and they will be eliminated. This will be a pretty good match as there is a lot at stake for both teams.

Gondor wins 1-0.

Doriath vs Gondolin
Actually the 2 teams to advance from this group may be completely decided at the end of Round 2. Doriath stands no chance. Sorry, but it's true. Gondolin gets another easy win, not only that but an easy path to taking 1st place.

Gondolin wins 3-0.

GROUP H
Havens vs Tirion
The 2 winners from Round 1 square off in Round 2. There will be lots of goals and lots of entertaining soccers. Now, both played Vinyamar in the friendlies and both drew 1-1. We know (and saw against Dol Guldur) that Feanor was holding back the offense during the friendlies. That will make Tirion the favorites to win and be locked in to advance. Not so fast...The Havens can score too, and I like the players that Olwe added to bolster his line-up. No defense is good enough to stop Tirion in this group, but offensively the Havens can definitely compete.

Draw 3-3.

Dol Guldur vs Minas Anor
Surprisingly enough, this is the match that I am most looking forward to seeing. Minas Anor will be at their best in taking on the Witch-King's team. If Dol Guldur doesn't take it seriously, if the Witch-King gets too boastful, Minas Anor will cause a lot of problems. You love rivalries like this, because it will be bloody and both teams will work themselves to complete exhaustion to get the win. Dol Guldur's defense is very shaky, but offensively they are good enough to keep the ball away from Minas Anor just barely to eek out a game-winning goal within the final 10 minutes.

Dol Guldur wins 3-2.